Bradford Pear Trees Banned in New Jersey

The Bradford pear tree is making headlines—mainly for being both visually appealing and rather unpleasant-smelling. As spring unfolds in New Jersey, these trees, with their characteristic bloom, release a fishy aroma that’s hard to ignore.

This lingering odor doesn’t last long, but that’s not the only issue. They’re classified as an invasive species, which is why they’ve been banned in the state due to their overwhelming scent reminiscent of rotting fish.

Recently, a new law went into effect that not only targets Bradford pears but also includes 29 other non-native plants that disrupt local ecosystems, create potential hazards, and overshadow native species. Governor Phil Murphy signed this legislation on his last day in office, paving the way for a greener future devoid of these invasive nuisances.

Interestingly, while these trees are also found in New York, that state hasn’t yet taken similar measures.

New Jersey’s approach will be gradual. Even though Bradford pears won’t be removed immediately, by spring 2027, it will be illegal to propagate or bring in these plants unless you have special permission.

Full enforcement of the ban will commence on February 20, 2030. At that point, selling, distributing, or importing Bradford pears or their seeds will be prohibited, with fines reaching up to $2,000 for violations.

These trees, not only notorious for their foul smell but also for their tendency to break apart in storms, have been a source of irritation for many residents.

Local complaints and environmental advocacy finally prompted action. Beyond their odor, these trees have been known to overshadow native flora that wildlife relies on.

And while they may be called pears, the fruit they produce is actually a hard, inedible nut.

Jason Grabosky, an urban forestry professor at Rutgers University, pointed out that the Bradford pear is a descendant of the Curry pear, originally brought to the U.S. from Asia in the early 1900s. Their popularity allowed them to spread rapidly, gaining a foothold in various regions.

Grabosky notes that their invasiveness is altering native plant communities and, consequently, impacting animal populations as well.

However, he cautions that reversing this trend won’t happen quickly. “Such changes are gradual,” he explains, stressing that it may take years to regain control and replace these trees with more suitable species like oaks and hickories.

Ultimately, he sees this as a public commitment to removing these problematic trees and promoting native varieties that better align with the environment.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture will oversee the enforcement of these new regulations.

Additionally, the law covers a range of other banned species, including the Norway Maple, Mimosa Tree, and English Ivy, among others.